American Airlines has placed orders with the three largest aircraft manufacturers in the world for a total of 260 aircraft: the order consists of 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft. This will allow American to enhance its domestic and regional fleet, providing a greater number of premium seats. Additionally, the airline has added options and purchase rights for another 193 aircraft.
The CEO of American, Robert Isom, emphasized the importance of maintaining a modern and efficient fleet. «These orders will continue to feed our fleet with newer and more efficient aircraft. This will enable us to maintain the best network and record operational reliability for our customers,» he noted. He also expressed satisfaction in continuing partnerships with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer, with the collaboration aiming to ensure a steady flow of new aircraft.
American’s current fleet is one of the most diverse globally, operating a total of 965 aircraft. It is the largest operator of A320 family aircraft in the world, with these aircraft comprising almost half of American’s fleet units: 133 Airbus A319, 48 A320, 218 A321, and 78 A321neo. The rest of the aircraft in American’s mainline fleet include: 303 Boeing 737-800, 59 Boeing 737 MAX 8, 47 Boeing 777-200, twenty 777-300, 37 787-8, and 22 787-9. The regional fleet, including both American and its subsidiaries, consists of 556 planes: 40 CRJ200, 140 CRJ700, 74 CRJ900, 58 Embraer E145, 35 E170, and 210 E175.
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The order for the 737 MAX 10 -a model that has not yet been certified by the FAA- is notable and significant move by American. The deal involves converting thirty orders from the 737 MAX 8 to the larger variant of the family, allowing American to expand its fleet and provide greater flexibility to its network. Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, stated that «American’s choice of the 737-10 will provide greater efficiency, uniformity, and flexibility for its global network. Our team is committed to delivering this new model.»
With this order, American Airlines plans to modernize its fleets of Airbus A319 and A320. Its aim: increasing business seat capacity in each aircraft, addressing the growing demand for premium services. The new aircraft will introduce amenities such as charging outlets in all seats and larger overhead compartments. The company anticipates a growth of over 20% in the number of premium seats by 2026. It has also indicated plans to retrofit the cabins of all its aircraft to bring them up to the new standard and harmonize the interiors.
These orders support American’s growth strategy. The airline has received over 600 aircraft since 2014. Additionally, it has 440 aircraft in its order book, set to enter its operation well into the next decade. The airline plans to retire all 50-seat regional aircraft by the end of this decade, replacing them with larger regional planes configured in two classes.
